I spent the Fourth of July holiday reading biographies of long ago missionaries Hudson Taylor and George Muller. Next on the list is Sundar Singh, missionary to India. George Muller in particular interested me because of his faith in God to provide for 10,000 orphans over a period of 63 years. He never once asked for money or any kind of assistance; he relied solely on God through prayer to provide for every need. Once, when there was no food to feed the children, he called one of the little girls to him, took her by the hand and said, "Come and see what God will do." He then took her to the dining room where he prayed a simple prayer, "Dear God, we thank you for what you are going to give us to eat. Amen." A few minutes later, the baker and the milkman knocked on the door with bread and milk, enough to feed 300 children.
In the early days of missions, people simply followed the call of God, traveled to another country, and trusted God to provide. Sis. Nona Freeman writes of going to the mission field with very little support in the days before Sheaves for Christ, Mother's Memorial, Partners in Missions and other fundraising programs sponsored by the United Pentecostal Church. Sis. Bobbye Wendell was appointed missionary to Kenya in June of 1978. She started deputation in July and by October 1978 her entire budget was raised. Her budget was $6,000 a month and I'm assuming she had to raise enough for 3-4 years. Missionaries today are traveling 1-3 years to raise their budgets. I can see how the availability of funds beforehand would free the missionary to do the work of God on the mission field without stressing over financial needs, but have we lost our faith in God to provide?
Since becoming part of the Associates in Missions program, I have seen first-hand the struggle missionaries face in raising support. I recently witnessed one missionary as she broke down in tears because she was so tired of traveling and longed to return to the mission field, but could not until the budget was completely raised. What if pastors in the United States had to leave their churches for 1-3 years to raise support? Something to think about.
What has changed? God has not changed. There appears to be a general attitude of apathy in America towards missions today, whereas in the past people sacrificed for the cause. I recall reading about one lady who hand-sewed items to sell to support missions. She sewed by candlelight at night because she purposely had no electricity so she could have additional finances to support the cause of missions. This kind of personal sacrifice is rarely seen in today's society. We must overcome this spirit of apathy and turn our hearts towards the Great Commission found in Mark 16:15, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."
I was wondering what would happen if I simply trusted God through prayer alone to provide the finances for my Associates in Missions trip to India? No fundraisers, no solicitations, etc. I would be considered lazy and unwise by some people. After all, after I have prayed, am I not supposed to do everything I can do to bring the answer to pass? He's teaching me a better way, and showing me that my self-effort hinders His working. When I pray and definitely believe Him for anything, He wants me to wait in the spirit of praise, and only do what He directs me to do.
"Spiritual forces cannot work while earthly forces are active." ~ Unknown
What would happen if I exercised the same faith in God today of those long-ago missionaries? I suspect I would get the same results they received: a miraculous provision by an Almighty God and a testimony that continues throughout the ages.
